With the Peak District on one side, and then Cheshire and the West coast on the other, there is plenty to see and do for just a short journey.
Of course, road links connect each of these places to Manchester, but what if you don’t feel like driving and simply want to relax on your journey? If that’s the case, then we’ve got you covered.
This summer, TransPennine Express are predicting that more and more people will opt to stay in the UK for holidays and use trains to get to places. With this in mind and if this may end up being you, you’d not go far wrong with a trip to one of these stunning areas nestled in the Peak District.
Many ideal destination spots can be reached via train from one of Manchester’s city centre train stations. Getting the train means no worries about traffic or needing to plan ahead for a parking space.
1. Bamford
Back over to the Peak District now, and our final destination of Bamford. There are shops and pubs aplenty, including the award winning ‘Yorkshire Bridge Inn’ meaning you can easily relax in style. Train services run every hour from Piccadilly and takes around 50 minutes to arrive. The train will take you through Edale and Hope, other villages which are well worth a stop in. | Maps
2. Castleton
Located deep in the Peak District, Castleton boasts lovely views and a 12th century castle which you can climb up to. The town has plenty of food and drink options, and has charming streets for you to explore. To get to Castleton, you need to get the train to Hope. This is the town over from Castleton, and can be reached with a direct, 45 minute train from Piccadilly. You can then get to Castleton by either taking a bus or a 30 minute walk. Photo: Alexey_Fedoren
3. Frodsham
Located not too far from Northwich is Frodsham, a market town which dates from the 13th century. The countryside is on your doorstep in Frodsham, as are museums and a theatre for you to check out. From Piccadilly, train services to Frodsham run every hour. The journey will take you around 45 minutes, you can also get on the train at Manchester Oxford Street for a slightly shorter journey. | Maps
4. Northwich
Looking west now, and to the Cheshire town of Northwich. The town centre has its charm, and surrounding parks and museums will give you plenty more to see. This journey from Manchester will take you a little longer than some of the others, but a direct service should still have you in Northwich in under an hour. The service is hourly from Piccadilly. | Maps